2007 MDX Transmission Problem - Acura MDX Forum Acura MDX SUV Forums

Bought a certified Pre-owned 2007 MDX this past June with 55K miles on it. First I'll state I am not the primary driver, and only get to "borrow" it from my wife on the weekends, but as I've gotten slowly more familiar with it over the past few months I've been noticing what might be an early sign of a transmission problem.

When shifting into drive, especially after backing out of the driveway or a parking spot, there is a noticeable, based on my experience with a lot of automatics I've owned or driven, "extra" delay before the transmission engages into drive. As an added note, I'm always careful about being sure I come to a COMPLETE stop after reverse BEFORE shifting into drive. To a slightly lesser extent, there is also a delay when shifting straight from park to drive.

For the most part, I've accepted this as a normal Acura MDX thing, having never owned an MDX or any other Acura with a five speed Super Handling All Wheel Drive system. However, I became really concerned the past two nights night when I attempted backing out of a slightly inclined driveway and heard a loud "clunk" and felt an abrupt shift into reverse. I had my foot firmly on the brake both times before the shift to reverse took place.

So, I ask the MDX world out there, with a touch of panic in my text, is this a normal experience for my otherwise terrific vehicle, or a sign of a transmission in need of some love and tweaking by the dealer?